Showing papers in "International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology in 2008"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the current situation of circular economy practice in China and describe current measures being implemented in China for the long-term promotion of a circular economy, including the formulation of objectives, legislation, policies and measures, so that the country can 'leapfrog' its way from environmentally damaging development to a more sustainable path.
Abstract: China is pioneering a new sustainable development model which has the ability to overcome current environmental and resource management problems, while achieving improvements in resource productivity and eco-efficiency. This model, formally accepted in 2002 and termed the 'circular economy', is understood to mean the realisation of a closed loop of material flows in the Chinese economic system. Successful implementation of this model is seen as one way in which China can 'leapfrog' past environmental damage that is typically seen as economies industrialise. This paper introduces the development of the model in China, and presents the current situation of circular economy practice in China. The paper describes current measures being implemented in China for the long-term promotion of a circular economy, including the formulation of objectives, legislation, policies and measures, so that the country can 'leapfrog' its way from environmentally-damaging development to a more sustainable path. The paper then i...
576 citations
TL;DR: The Shiyang River Basin is an inland river basin in the Hexi Corridor, Gansu Province, northwest China as discussed by the authors, which is the largest basin in terms of human population density and has the highest exploit power.
Abstract: The Shiyang River Basin is an inland river basin in the Hexi Corridor, Gansu Province, northwest China. Shiyang is the largest basin in terms of human population density and has the highest exploit...
58 citations
TL;DR: The urban forest has several positive effects on urban metabolism: reducing urban runoff, consequent sewer overloads and resulting water pollution; and reducing heat islands through shading and transpirational cooling by tree leaves, which also reduces energy required for cooling buildings.
Abstract: The urban forest has several positive effects on urban metabolism: reducing urban runoff, consequent sewer overloads and resulting water pollution; and reducing heat islands through shading and transpirational cooling by tree leaves, which also reduces energy required for cooling buildings. It is likely that urban trees can mitigate CO2 emissions from combustion, thus reducing overall emissions from power plants. This has been modelled, but has not been verified by actual measurements. Large computer models have been used to predict uptake of air pollutants by urban trees. There is, however, considerable uncertainty about the validity of the predictions from these models. Very few real uptake data are available. Urban trees emit small biogenic volatile hydrocarbons (BVOCs), with amounts varying by species. BVOCs can become part of the photochemical oxidant cycle, increasing ozone levels in cities. It is likely, but unverified, that the urban forest can improve the quality of life for city residents. There...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how the use of NTFPs are influenced by intra-household variables, such as wealth and gender, and inter-community variables such as accessibility to the natural resource, and found that approximately 4453 kg of wild material is used annually per household, of which 1598 kg is used for cultural purposes.
Abstract: Biodiversity is recognised as an integral part of people's daily livelihoods. This study therefore aims to understand the use of NTFPs at an intricate level by determining what role these resources fulfil in six rural villages and 1011 households' livelihoods. It examines how the use of NTFPs are influenced by intra-household variables, such as wealth and gender, and inter-community variables, such as accessibility to the natural resource. The results reveal that approximately 4453 kg of wild material is used annually per household, of which 1598 kg is used for cultural purposes. The influence of vegetation type and differences between villages are statistically more significant than inter-household variables. At an inter-household level, an increase in the financial status of households did not result in a decrease in the use of natural resources, nor in the quantity of material used. Similarly, gender only influenced the use of cultural resource use categories. Over 200 plant species were identified as ...
51 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used data envelopment analysis (DEA) with a single output (real GDP) and five inputs (labour, real capital stock, solid wastes, waste water and waste gas) to compute the target wastes of each region for each year.
Abstract: This paper computes efficient three industrial waste abatements (solid, water and gas) for 30 regions in China from 1996–2003. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) with a single output (real GDP) and five inputs (labour, real capital stock, solid wastes, waste water and waste gas) is used to compute the target wastes of each region for each year. The efficient abatement ratios of each region in each year are then obtained by comparing the actual waste to the actual waste of a pollutant. Our major findings are: 1. The east area contains the most efficient regions with respect to the three wastes in every year during the research period. 2. The east, central and west areas have 1996–2003 average target abatement ratios of solid wastes of 24.90%, 64.77% and 62.33%, of waste water 14.27%, 27.45% and 32.01%, and of waste gas 18.42%, 43.21% and 46.66%, respectively. 3. Because the central and west areas have similar critical problems on the three wastes, China is actually divided into two parts considering the three...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a case study of Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan and investigate various scenarios pertaining to tourism, which differ with respect to tourism infrastructure, degree of nature conservation, cultural preservation and participation of local communities in the tourist industry.
Abstract: We present a case study of Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan and investigate various scenarios pertaining to tourism. The Formative Scenario Analysis procedure was used to generate different stakeholder-based scenarios. The scenarios differed with respect to tourism infrastructure, degree of nature conservation, cultural preservation and participation of local communities in the tourist industry. The weighing of criteria and multicriteria evaluations of scenarios by Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese expert groups were compared. These comparisons and comparisons between subgroups revealed conflicting preferences of tourism promotion goals among experts. Every expert suggested promoting community-based ecotourism in the national park if tourism is unavoidable. Factors that influence this include tourism pricing policy, accessibility and tourism products. The divergency in expert groups' evaluations suggests that the social conflict and loss of cultural values associated with income from tourism deserves special...
46 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed the current state of bamboo forest resources and management, and the roles of the bamboo forest industry in social development, economic growth and ecosystem protection in China.
Abstract: Bamboo forests, due to their special characteristics and ecological functions, play an important role in sustainable forest management and rural development in China. Over the past two decades, China has successfully established millions of hectares of bamboo forest, which has restored fragile ecosystems, provided benefits to local communities, alleviated rural poverty and eased timber shortages. However, there is potential for further improvements to the bamboo forest estate. This paper analyses the current state of bamboo forest resources and management, and the roles of the bamboo forest industry in social development, economic growth and ecosystem protection in China. We examine the main issues related to governance systems, local economic development and traditional management practices. Finally, we suggest some directions for future development.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the applicability and feasibility of the selected indicators were explored by applying the indicators to two industrial zones in China, and the benefits and challenges faced in applying the new indicators are then discussed in relation to the literature.
Abstract: SUMMARY Eco-industrial park projects have become increasingly popular in China. Because of their rapid proliferation and the lack of accepted and common characteristics, the performance of these projects has been difficult to evaluate. In 2006, the former State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) of China became the first national organization to establish a national standard for eco-industrial parks. This paper aims to explore the applicability and feasibility of the selected indicators. First, it presents the details of this new standard. Second, the feasibility of the new standard is explored by applying the indicators to two industrial zones in China. The benefits and challenges faced in applying the indicators are then discussed in relation to the literature. The analysis demonstrates that the new indicators have a fairly narrow focus on eco-efficiency, rather than a broad objective of ecologically sustainable industrial development. Nevertheless, the Chinese standard is a useful beginning...
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined factors affecting the establishment of enterprises utilising animal species in remote indigenous communities and suggest ways of improving uptake, and found four major areas affecting the progress of these enterprises: a lack of comprehensive market information and dissemination of that knowledge, a need for more appropriate and flexible government policy and regulation; and adverse public perceptions.
Abstract: Throughout the world, there are imperatives and opportunities to develop sustainable enterprises based on plants and animals to alleviate poverty. This is true for indigenous people across northern Australia, although to date there has been very limited commercial use of wildlife within indigenous Australian communities. In this study, we examine factors affecting the establishment of enterprises utilising animal species in remote indigenous communities and suggest ways of improving uptake. We found four major areas affecting the progress of these enterprises: a lack of comprehensive market information and dissemination of that knowledge; a lack of basic infrastructure and training; a need for more appropriate and flexible government policy and regulation; and adverse public perceptions. Commercialisation of native species is at a relatively early stage compared to tropical Asia, Africa and South America, and development of these enterprises has the potential to benefit indigenous livelihoods in remote an...
33 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper used the water quality index (WQI) as an indicator to describe trends in contamination of Lugu Lake from 1995 to 2004 and analyzed several parameters to determine the causes and consequences of contamination.
Abstract: Lugu lake is an alpine lake in Yunnan Province in western China. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and the special culture of Mosuo people in this area. The lake is becoming contaminated and eutrophicated because of the huge number of visitors and improvements in agriculture during the last decade. This paper uses the water quality index (WQI) as an indicator to describe trends in contamination of Lugu Lake from 1995 to 2004 and analyses several parameters to determine the causes and consequences of contamination. We found that the dominant cause was pollution from tourism and suggest some feasible measures to prevent further deterioration of the lake water quality.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined agropastoral transhumance in 12 sampled villages on the southeast Tibetan Plateau and concluded that the system is extremely vulnerable to external impacts.
Abstract: This paper examines agropastoral transhumance in 12 sampled villages on the southeast Tibetan Plateau. By analysing trends in this indigenous livelihood system and examining causes and potential consequences, we conclude that Tibetan agropastoral transhumance is a fragile system extremely vulnerable to external impacts. Within the context of China's rapid development and globalisation, this agricultural heritage is changing rapidly, as is most saliently reflected in herd size and structure, movement patterns, relative economic importance of pastoral activities and the relations between pastoralism and crop cultivation. Immediate causes of changes are local changes in livestock management objectives, land uses and labour availability, which are driven by more fundamental changes of environmental, political, socioeconomic, technological and cultural profiles, from local to global scales. Changes in local livelihood systems can have multifaceted and profound political, socioeconomic, cultural and ecological ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the impacts of sedentarisation on vegetation in a sub-humid zone in northern Kenya were assessed using the knowledge of herder knowledge of land-use history, perception of enviro...
Abstract: The debate on land degradation and desertification associated with sedentarisation of pastoral communities in the Sahelian zone remains contentious. Discussions of land degradation from the perspective of local communities shapes human perceptions where local peoples' narratives provide personal experiences of environmental change. Local community participation in assessing and monitoring land degradation around pastoralist settlements has important implications for implementation of the Global Convention on Combating Desertification (CCD) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Previously, ecologists assessed impacts on the vegetation, while herders were hardly involved. In this study, we integrated indigenous knowledge of herders and ecological methods (IKEM) to assess the impacts of sedentarisation on vegetation in a sub-humid zone in northern Kenya. Degradation of vegetation around two settlements 10 to 30 years old was inferred from herder knowledge of land-use history, perception of enviro...
TL;DR: In this paper, a preliminary quantitative analysis of 13 composite indicators for the original G7 nations for the year 2000 is presented, using ranked data some interesting relationships between the indicators for economic, social and environmental phenomena are revealed.
Abstract: Preliminary quantitative analysis of 13 composite indicators for the original G7 nations for the year 2000 is presented. Using ranked data some interesting relationships between the indicators for economic, social and environmental phenomena are revealed. These indicators have been analysed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. It is shown that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positively associated with the human development index (HDI), wellbeing (WB) and happiness (H), but strongly negatively associated with direct material consumption (DMC) and CO2 emissions in the ecological footprint (EFCO2). The DMC is negatively correlated with almost all indicators and, similarly, the ecological footprint (EF) is negatively associated with most indicators, including many environmental indicators. The quality of life (QoL) and the happiness index (H) are only weakly related. H is strongly related to ecological wellbeing (EWB) whilst the QoL is strongly associated with geobiosphere loading (GBL). The two...
TL;DR: A double-layer management model has been developed of regional ecosystem services, composed of natural ecosystem management and macro-control of society and the economy, and has been used to analyse the importance and feasibility of ecotourism development in Lugu Lake region.
Abstract: Lugu Lake region, containing a plateau lake, and the unique matrichal society of the Mosuo, has become one of the most important areas for ecosystem conservation and cultural heritage protection in China. It is essential to pursue sustainable development in Lugu Lake region. However, rapid increases in the tourism industry have had negative influences on society, the economy and the environment of Lugu Lake region. Extensive concerns have been raised by numerous ecologists, economists and social scientists over recent years. Using systems analysis of major societal, economic and environmental problems, this paper advocates goals for realising sustainable development. A double-layer management model has been developed of regional ecosystem services, composed of natural ecosystem management and macro-control of society and the economy, and has been used to analyse the importance and feasibility of ecotourism development in Lugu Lake region. Constructive management measures and development strategies are the...
TL;DR: In this article, the impacts of tourism development on temporal land-cover changes in the Lugu Lake region, home to the Mosuo people, were assessed using multitemporal Landsat TM images.
Abstract: Remote sensing was used to assess the impacts of tourism development on temporal land-cover changes in the Lugu Lake region, home to the Mosuo people. The ecological and economic significance of the Lugu Lake area derives from the existence of a unique matriarchal system and the success of tourism development. Temporal land-cover changes between 1990 and 2005 were evaluated using digital interpretation of multitemporal Landsat TM images. Pairwise comparison methods were used to quantify changes in land-cover during three periods: 1990 to 1995, 1995 to 2001, and 2001 to 2005. The areas surveyed in each period were 10,226 ha, 7,727 ha and 9,344 ha, respectively. The annual rate of land-cover change for farmland, forest, grassland and wetland were 2.86%, 5.85%, 3.95%, 6.28%, respectively. Farmland and wetland have decreased, whereas forest, grassland and residential areas have increased. The land-cover changes could be explained by the success of tourism development and ecosystem management in Lugu Lake regi...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze current policy thinking in the field of regional sustainable consumption and production, identify issues for regional policy development in the same fields, and propose regional public policy related to sustainable consumption patterns, such as improved energy efficiency and use of alternative energy.
Abstract: The environmental impact of consumption and production is diverse and wide-reaching: air, water and ground pollutants are emitted during different phases of a life cycle, natural resources are overexploited and ecosystems are degraded. Changing consumption patterns in Asia forecast major impacts from increased demand for electric and electronic goods, cars and processed and protein-rich food, as well as buildings. While some countries have adopted policy at a strategic level to promote sustainable consumption and production, most countries, in particular developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, do not have a comprehensive policy on Sustainable consumption and production but would have much to gain from building on this new approach. The aim of this paper is to elaborate on current theory and practice in the area of sustainable production and consumption focusing on Sustainable urban development. The paper will: 1) analyse current policy thinking in the field of regional sustainable consumption and production; 2) identify issues for regional policy development in the same fields; and 3) propose regional public policy related to sustainable consumption and production patterns, such as improved energy efficiency and use of alternative energy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the relationship between natural resource depletion due to land degradation and some economic characteristics of local labour systems in Italy, a country where many areas, especially southern regions, are vulnerable.
Abstract: SUMMARY Studying the interactions among ecological factors and economic performance measured at the local scale is necessary to suggest policies able to mitigate natural resource depletion in complex ecosystems, like those in the Mediterranean region. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship among natural resource depletion due to land degradation (LD) and some economic characteristics of local labour systems in Italy, a country where many areas, especially southern regions, are vulnerable. LD was estimated using an environmental sensitive area index, covering the national territory at a fine scale, which takes into account ecological factors such as climate, soil and vegetation. Economic indicators used here consider per capita income, land productivity, production and labour productivity by sector (agriculture, industry and services). A regression analysis was built-up at the LLS scale using an index change over time (1990–2000) as dependent variable and economic variables as predictors. A p...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a method for integrated analysis of economic growth and natural carrying capacity through linking the concept of ecological footprint with valuation of ecosystem services. But their method is limited to the case of China.
Abstract: Human activities have become so extensive that all ecosystems on the planet have been altered to some extent. The fate of humankind will be determined by how sustainable ecosystems and renewable resource species in them are managed. The implication of this is obvious: humanity must live within nature's carrying capacity. In recent years, we have recognized that economic growth depends on natural capital, the importance of identifying ourselves as a part of the international ecological economics community, and positive integration of economy and ecology. The aim of this paper is to describe a method for integrated analysis of economic growth and natural carrying capacity through linking the concept of ecological footprint with valuation of ecosystem services. When applied to China for the period 1987–2003, empirical evidence suggests that the Chinese economy surpassed its carrying capacity after 1992. Perhaps we should abandon our high-growth predilection and initiate the transition to a steady-state economy.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper introduced Chinese urban forestry research in terms of the concept, forest types, ecosystem services, spatial structure, planning and construction, assessment and management, and provided a comprehensive overview of urban forest landscape spatial patterns and their ecological effects.
Abstract: This paper introduces Chinese urban forestry research in terms of the concept, forest types, ecosystem services, spatial structure, planning and construction, assessment and management. Modern Chinese urban forest had a close relationship with traditional landscape architecture. Urban forest services had been quantified in some case cities, and determined by urban forest spatial patterns and internal structures. Based on landscape ecology and urban planning, urban forest spatial patterns have been analysed and planned rationally in some cities. However, studies on urban forestry generally lack long-term, continuous and systemic observations, as well as in-depth research on ecological processes and mechanisms. The development trends in urban forestry in China might include extensive application of '3S' technology, research on the relationship between urban forest landscape spatial patterns and their ecological effects, economic assessment, ecological and economic benefits and studies on the negative effects of pollutants.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the effects of tourism on two villages at different locations and found that tourism did not have an obvious impact on agriculture in the village near a tourism hot spot because tourism administrators who have developed culture-protecting management measures so that this village still retains its original agricultural processes and structure.
Abstract: Tourism has had some significant effects on local agriculture as well as the economy and environment in the Lugu Lake area because it has developed so rapidly. This paper analysed the effects of tourism on two villages at different locations. Tourism did not have an obvious impact on agriculture in the village near a tourism hot spot because it has tourism administrators who have developed culture-protecting management measures so that this village still retains its original agricultural processes and structure. In contrast, the village that is marginal to the tourist area has suffered more significant impacts from tourism. Although this latter village is far from the hot spots it has taken advantage of its ability to combine agricuture and tourism. Such villages are trying to grasp the opportunities brought by tourism through measures to optimise their agricutural structures in order to achieve harmonious changes that can improve the living conditions of local inhabitants.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the sustainability of dryland farming systems of Eastern Kenya based on farmers' perceptions of their farming environment and the implications for rural livelihoods through semi-structured interviews in which questionnaires were administered, on single visits, to 30 selected farm households.
Abstract: SUMMARY Sustainability is socially constructed, and striving for a sustainable agricultural system requires addressing ecological, social and economic dimensions simultaneously. The objective of this study was to assess the sustainability of dryland farming systems of Eastern Kenya based on farmers’ perceptions of their farming environment and the implications for rural livelihoods. Farmers’ perceptions were elicited through semi-structured interviews in which questionnaires were administered, on single visits, to 30 selected farm households. The study showed that soil fertility and yields of staple food crops (maize) have declined in the past decade and that current farming systems are not able to produce adequate food and income to the dependent households. Thus, the farming system is showing symptoms of unsustainability. Improving farming system sustainability in this dryland area will ultimately require integration of technical and policy options that take cognisance of farmers’ abilities, opportunities and socio-economic circumstances.
TL;DR: In this article, a framework of assessment indicators and methods for the sustainability of mining communities is developed and the methodology of analytic hierarchy process is adopted and the whole-of-government concept with multi-stakeholder participation is incorporated into construction of indicator sets and comparison of indicator weights.
Abstract: A framework of assessment indicators and methods for the sustainability of mining communities is developed. The methodology of analytic hierarchy process is adopted and the whole-of-government concept with multi-stakeholder participation is incorporated into construction of indicator sets and comparison of indicator weights. A total of 22 individual indicators were chosen, and 52 mining communities were investigated. The results show that four mining communities have reached a strong level of sustainability, 11 have achieved a satisfactory level, and the remaining 37 are still weak in their development sustainability. The framework provides a useful tool for monitoring key policy outcomes, measuring progress towards goals, comparing development characteristics among various mining communities, providing information for decision making, and guiding policymaking at all levels of mining communities.
TL;DR: In this article, a GIS-NPS model, with long-term hydrologic impact assessment (L-THIA), was used to evaluate longterm implications of land-use change impacts on non-point source (NPS) pollution.
Abstract: Protection of the water quality of Lugu Lake is important because it is a unique geographic and cultural resource. Not only point source pollution but also non-point source pollution contribute to degradation of water quality. A GIS-NPS model, with long-term hydrologic impact assessment (L-THIA), was used to evaluate long-term implications of land-use change impacts on non-point source (NPS) pollution. The land-use patterns of 1995 and 2005 were analysed to determine the changes in Lugu Lake watershed. A 30-year (1974–2003) precipitation dataset was used to estimate mean annual surface runoff and NPS pollutant loads. The contributions of different land-use categories to average annual runoff and NPS pollutant production were assessed with a unit contribution index (UCI). Results show loss of agricultural land (by 44.9%), while forest, grass/pasture and residential land increased to different degrees from 1995 to 2005. At the same time, annual average NPS pollutants, TN, TP, TSS and BOD loads all decreased...
TL;DR: Using the physical assessment method and the value assessment method (VAM), the ecosystem services in Lugu Lake watershed, including product supply, soil conservation, water conservation, CO2 absorption, O2 release, nutrient cycle, flood storage and ecotourism, were evaluated and analyzed.
Abstract: Better understanding and evaluation of ecosystem services are important for applying the correct model of regional development planning Using the physical assessment method (PAM) and the value assessment method (VAM), the ecosystem services in Lugu Lake watershed, including product supply, soil conservation, water conservation, CO2 absorption, O2 release, nutrient cycle, flood storage and ecotourism, were evaluated and analysed The results show that the total economic value of these ecosystem services was 50068 × 106 Yuan/a (at comparable prices in 2004); ecotourism was the major component of ecosystem services, accounting for 416%; the values of O2 release, flood storage, CO2 absorption and water conservation accounted for 281, 137, 77, and 55%, respectively; the value of product supply accounted for only 24% and, therefore, was not a major part of watershed ecosystem services Sustainable development of ecotourism and long-term preservation of the functions of O2 release and flood storage need
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors used Beijing as a case study to develop a framework and strategies for sustainable development using ecological principles, and some important measures were put forward for revision of the Beijing Urban Master Plan.
Abstract: SUMMARY Rapid urbanisation and serious environmental problems have led people worldwide to realise the significance of urban planning and management towards a sustainable environment. Beijing was used as a case study to develop a framework and strategies for sustainable development using ecological principles. At the regional level, Beijing-Tianjin agglomeration and Hebei Province are considered together. At the Beijing administrative level, some important measures are put forward for revision of the Beijing Urban Master Plan. At the Beijing plain level, the future spatial structure of Beijing city and the relationship between settlements, green space and transportation are considered, and three basic development patterns are proposed. At the inner district level, the ecological corridor system is suggested, based on ecosystem services. At the selected area level, a comprehensive strategy and key measures for conservation and renewal of old Beijing city core are provided. Once strategies for Beijing urban...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed evaluation indicators and calculations for energy consumption changes, and advances a new indicator, Energy Consumption Unit Geometric Average (ECUGA) elasticity coefficient and its calculation.
Abstract: Energy consumption increases with urbanisation. This paper developed evaluation indicators and calculations for energy consumption changes, and advances a new indicator, Energy Consumption Unit Geometric Average (ECUGA) elasticity coefficient and its calculation. The ECUGA elasticity coefficient can explore energy consumption changes and make comparisons among countries at different urbanisation stages. The general trend of energy consumption changes is summarised at different urbanisation stages based on values for 45 countries. For China, the ECUGA elasticity coefficient first increases and then decreases, with the peak of urbanisation at 40% to 50%. China's ECUGA elasticity coefficient for 1978-2005 and 2010-2050 differed from the general trend, with a decrease until urbanisation reached 40%, followed by a rapid increase at 40% to 50%, and then a decrease from 50% to 80%. Although the increase and decrease of China's ECUGA elasticity coefficient is faster than in other countries, the values are always lower than the average for these countries at corresponding urbanisation stages.
TL;DR: In this paper, three policies and management instruments were used to address EWR, including the South-North water transfer scheme, water price policy modifications and agricultural water saving, and compared with lack of adoption of such measures, these three management instruments may mitigate acute water scarcity and lead to some improvements.
Abstract: Lack of consideration of environmental water requirements (EWR) in water resource allocation has caused several environmental problems in the Haihe River Basin, North China. This highlights an urgent need to study EWR and ensure instruments for sustainable water resource management in the basin. In this study, EWR scenarios were calculated for 2010 and 2030, giving values are 6.58 billion m(3) in 2002, 9.22 billion m(3) in 2010, and 11.62 billion m(3) in 2030. Three policies and management instruments were used to address EWR, including the South-North water transfer scheme, water price policy modifications and agricultural water saving. Compared with lack of adoption of such measures, these three management instruments may mitigate acute water scarcity and lead to some improvements. This paper attempts to establish a link between adoption of measures, impact on water user sectors and environmental consequences. It also provides a basis for discussion about the effectiveness of these measures and notes additional controversies among technical, political and economic instruments.
TL;DR: In this paper, a water quality simulation model (L-THIA) was applied to determine the long-term implications of different degrees of regional urbanization impacts on NPS pollutants, and the contributions of different land-use categories to average annual runoff and NPS pollutant production were assessed by the means of a regression model.
Abstract: China has experienced a rapid urbanisation, especially since the 1980s; however, the environmental impacts of this process are not fully investigated. Hanyang (Hubei Province, south China) was selected as a typical case to investigate runoff and non-point source (NPS) pollution impacts of urbanisation. A water quality simulation model (L-THIA) was applied to determine the long-term implications of different degrees of regional urbanisation impacts on NPS pollutants. Land-use patterns in 1987, 1998 and 2003 were analysed to evaluate the temporal variation of urbanisation, and the precipitation dataset from 1975 to 2003 was used to estimate the mean annual runoff and NPS pollutants. The contributions of different land-use categories to average annual runoff and NPS pollutant production were assessed by the means of a regression model. Results show that urban/impervious lands increased by 30.4% between 1987 and 2003, with the most increase occurring in 1998–2003. Industrial and forestlands have the most and ...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The 1st Xiamen International Forum on Urban Environment (XIAE) as mentioned in this paper was organized in 2007 to promote integrated studies on the urban environment by providing a communication platform to interested scholars on urban environment around the world.
Abstract: In response to the great challenges of rapid urbanisation and increases in the need to build ‘harmonious’ cities, i.e. cities with a high quality of life, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, has taken the lead by organising the 1st Xiamen International Forum on Urban Environment, held in Xiamen, China, between November 28 and 29, 2007. The forum attracted almost 100 participants from around the world. This introductory paper summarises the key topics presented in this special issue and associated supplement on urban sustainability and environmental management. Urbanisation is generally considered as a positive process of societal development; however, rapid urbanisation is also one of the challenges facing the world in the twenty-first century. The twentieth century witnessed the most rapid urbanisation in human history, and by 2007, more than half of the people on Earth lived in cities. However, urbanisation has negative impacts, particularly as a cause of environmental pollution derived by intensive energy consumption and material flows (‘material metabolism’), and leading to dramatic changes in land use, loss of biodiversity, habitat fragmentation and a decline in ecosystem services. Therefore, studies on urbanisation and its environmental consequences have become urgent and are a focal topic for the scientific community worldwide. Urban environmental research should promote sustainability of the urban environment and develop harmonious urban systems through partnerships with urban planners and policymakers. Contrary to the intensity of urban or urbanisation studies, there have been a relatively small number of urban environmental studies that have explicitly connected ‘urbanisation’ with ‘environment’. The Forum was intended to promote integrated studies on the urban environment by providing a communication platform to interested scholars on urban environment around the world.
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of tourism on local herd composition in Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal) has been investigated and the authors suggest that traditional settlements have a positive effect on biodiversity because they increase landscape heterogeneity, while changes in villages due to tourism pressure may exceed the natural limiting factors.
Abstract: SUMMARY Tourism represents an increasingly important resource for many countries. We estimated the impact of tourism on local herd composition in Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal). We collected field data (interviews in villages) and searched bibliographic and historical sources. Village structure (lodge building) and animal husbandry (herd composition, male/female ratio) were also examined. We found that economic pressure (tourism income) has led to a change in village structure and livestock composition. Statistical analysis (χ 2 and Spearman correlation coefficient) confirmed this hypothesis. We suggest that traditional settlements have a positive effect on biodiversity because they increase landscape heterogeneity, while changes in villages due to tourism pressure may exceed the natural limiting factors of the park.